Add Search Optimization to your Library Marketing Strategies
Imagine a local patron searching for events this weekend and discovering your library’s program at the top of their search results! With WhoFi’s new update, all events created in the Community Calendar are now optimized to appear in search engines like Google. This feature bridges the gap between library marketing strategies and their communities, ensuring that your programs are visible and accessible to more local patrons than ever.
Why SEO Matters for Libraries
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how search engines like Google know your content exists and decide to show it to the right people. For libraries, local SEO is a great way to bring patrons in for programs and events. A strong online presence ensures your events can show up alongside other local events and resources.
How the New Feature Works
All programs created in WhoFi’s Community Calendar have a unique page that is now automatically optimized to appear in local search results. Events are tagged with essential metadata like location, date, description, and title, making them more likely to appear in local searches.
For example, someone searching for “storytime near me” could see your library’s event listed alongside other local happenings, directing them to your Community Calendar for more details and registration.
Best Practices for SEO-Optimized Library Events
To maximize the visibility of your library’s programs, follow these tips for creating SEO-friendly events:
- Craft Specific and Engaging Titles
- Good: “Fun Storytime Event!”
- Better: “Free Family Storytime – Ages 3-10 at the Main Library!”
- Use keywords patrons might search for, like “free,” “family-friendly,” or “crafting”
- Optimize Descriptions with Relevant Keywords
- Include clear, concise descriptions with terms like:
- “Hands-on STEM crafts for kids”
- “Local book club for mystery lovers”
- “Free community workshop on job searching”
- Think about what your patrons would type into Google.
- Include clear, concise descriptions with terms like:
- Use Images When Possible
- Add event images (book covers for book clubs, photos of past events) to WhoFi.
- Engaging visuals increase on page engagement and make events even more appealing to patrons.
These small adjustments make your events easier to find and more compelling to patrons.
Benefits for Libraries and Patrons
This new feature offers significant advantages for both libraries and their communities. For libraries, the ability to have their events appear in search engine results means greater visibility and attendance by reaching patrons who may not regularly follow the library’s website or social media channels. It also reinforces the library’s position as a central, accessible hub for local activities and programs, ensuring they remain a vital resource in the community.
For patrons, this feature makes discovering enriching, free local activities easier than ever. By integrating library programs directly into their natural search habits, patrons can seamlessly access events and find programs that align with their interests, whether they’re looking for family-friendly activities, educational workshops, or book club meetings.
WhoFi’s new SEO-boosting library marketing strategies for the Community Calendar makes it easier than ever for libraries to connect with their local patrons. By ensuring events appear in search engine results, your library becomes more visible, accessible, and relevant in your community.
Ready to get started? Start creating events with WhoFi today, and let your library shine in local search results! Contact us at marketing@whofi.com or click the button below to learn how.